The biggest year for tablets so far was undoubtedly 2012. Amazon and Google stepped up their games, Apple responded accordingly, Samsung flexed its muscles, and even Microsoft showed up to the party. Here’s our take on what happened this year and what it all means.

For most people tablets have basically been content devices. They’re used to watch Netflix in bed or read ebooks in the dark. In the words of one satirical video from the first iPad launch, they have seemed to be little more than a big-assed iPod Touches.

Some developers are complaining that since the introduction of the Chomp-inspired App Store redesign in iOS 6, sales have noticeably dropped. Others say the changes are good for indie developers. Is the new iOS App Store a step forward or step back for mobile app developers, users, and the app economy?

According to a report by mobile app analytics company Flurry, iOS and Android devices are being adopted quite fast. They’re growing so fast, in fact, that the current growth rate has surpassed that of any other consumer technology in history.

After Apple unveiled iOS 6 at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, many iPhone and iPad owners were certainly drooling over the attractive new features soon to come to their devices. Turn-by-turn directions in Maps! FaceTime video calls over 3G! The ability to save webpages for offline reading!

Apple’s new iOS 6 comes loaded with new features. From completely new Maps to a new version of the voice-activated personal assistant Siri to Facebook integration. And Passbook—Apple’s new app that controls coupons, boarding passes, cards and coupons—is really neat.

There are a lot of things that make Apple’s iOS a more attractive platform for development than Android. Better development tools, an installed user base that is more inclined to spend money on apps and the most popular App Store in the world, recently surpassing some 25B downloads total.

Far more than a mere communication device, mobiles now serve as our books, health monitors, payment transfer devices, social connectors and tour guides. Mobile technology is embedded in our cars, homes, appliances, governments and utilities. Mobile is enhancing and expanding education and thus, transforming the world. Mobile World Congress 2012 celebrates the current state of mobile and offer a glimpse into where mobile has the potential to go next.